Examines and rates mid-priced loudspeakers. What makes a good loudspeaker; Advantages of these speakers; Accuracy of the speakers; Power; Recommendations. INSET: An oldie but goodie.;Taking a speaker's soundings..

Examines compact stereo systems, also known as `integrated-component systems,' which appeal to people on a budget. Receiver; Speakers; Tape deck; CD player; Phonograph; Recommendations. INSET: Less than meets the eye..

Examines the mini sound system with smaller and generally better finished equipment than the typical compact stereo system. Price difference between the mini sound and compact stereo systems; How they compare to each other.

Rates 21 speakers and explains factors used to evaluate them. Accuracy; Speaker's ability to reproduce the low bass frequencies; How well they match with the rest of the system; Recommendations. INSET: A graphic explanation..

Highlights features to look for when shopping for a tape deck. Why conventional analog tape decks remain popular; Two types of mid-priced analog decks; Especially useful features to look for. INSET: The plot thickens..